Barely a day after meeting with Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga, President William Ruto has revealed that his government has reached an agreement to collaborate with opposition leaders.
Speaking in Kwale County on February 25, 2025, Ruto emphasized the need for national unity, stressing that it was time to build a government that includes all Kenyans.
“The election period is behind us. I have accepted that we should form a government that unites all Kenyans. Even those who were in the opposition—we have agreed with them to come and work with us,” Ruto stated.
The president emphasized that inclusivity was necessary to move the country forward, arguing that no group should feel sidelined in governance.
“Let us all unite together; there’s a Swahili saying, ‘unity is strength.’ If we unite, is there anything wrong with that? Are you saying we should unite or remain divided? Should we work together or separately?” Ruto posed to the crowd.
Constitutional reforms
Ruto’s statements come at a time when his key allies have been pushing for constitutional amendments to create new positions that could accommodate several opposition leaders, including Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Roots Party Leader George Wajackoya, and DAP-Kenya Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa, as part of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report implementation.
In a statement shared on his X account on February 18, 2025, Nandi County Senator Samson Cherargei outlined that the constitutional amendments would extend beyond the prime minister’s position that would be given to Raila Odinga to establish an Office of the Official Opposition Leader.
“In the NADCO report, we shall amend the Constitution of 2010. Apart from the creation of the office of the Prime Minister, we shall also create the office of the official opposition leader to ensure election losers get a chance to critique the government of the day constructively,” Cherargei stated.
According to Cherargei, the proposed opposition leader would have a seat in parliament alongside deputies.
The senator emphasized that the new position would strengthen Kenya’s democratic framework while addressing post-election challenges.
Opposition unity
However, Ruto’s remarks come amid ongoing political realignments, with other opposition leaders calling for unity in fronting a presidential candidate to run against him in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on a local media station on Monday, February 24, 2025, People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua emphasized the importance of opposition unity to help remove President William Ruto’s administration.
She expressed her readiness to support any opposition candidate in the 2027 presidential election.
Karua indicated her openness to working with other opposition leaders such as Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, stressing that the ultimate goal is to unseat the current administration.
“There is a real possibility that we can work together. My party’s theme is ‘Unite, Liberate.’ So unity is key to what we are doing. Any progressive leader who wants to bring change, even those who haven’t declared their stance, should know the door is open,” she said.
She asserted that while she remains a contender, all opposition leaders must recognize that Kenya’s interests supersede individual political ambitions.
“Let all candidates present themselves, and I have already presented myself. But we must all remember that Kenya is bigger than any one person. Campaign and seek support, but we must also be prepared to unite behind one flag bearer,” she said.
Karua reiterated that she would be satisfied even if the opposition settled on a different candidate to lead their charge in 2027.
“I must ask myself: is it a must that I push my candidacy at the expense of Kenya’s transformation? It is better that we take collective responsibility in removing this illegitimate regime and usher in a new era, just like we did in 2002,” she said.
